John Blaettler MBA ’80, has been named "Man of the Year," one of seven "Spice of Life" awards given annually by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. The organization nominates and votes for the individuals, businesses and educators who go above and beyond; demonstrating a high level of involvement and commitment to the communities they not only serve, but dually call home.

The Chamber describes Blaettler, 60, as "well known for his financial expertise as a local accountant and also for his steadfast commitment and contributions to our community;" a past Gilroy Garlic Festival president, Gilroy native and trusted financial guru of 32 years who serves in an advisory capacity to the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Gilroy Foundation board of directors.

He began working as a public accountant in 1979 in Gilroy, and has been working independently since 2000.

Blaettler is married to Lee Blaettler, with whom he has two daughters – Genevieve, 26; who lives in Portland, Ore.; and Morgan, a first-grader attending St. Mary School on First Street in Gilroy. Blaettler also had a son, Sean, who died at age 27.

The Chamber describes Blaettler as an avid volunteer who has lent his expertise to several organizations including the Gilroy Arts Alliance, South County Symphony and the Gilroy Historical Society, where he helped to "sharpen and maintain sound accounting practices, develop procedures to reduce costs and increase revenues, and create a five-year budget plan. All of these nonprofit organizations benefit the community of Gilroy."

When he isn’t crunching numbers or volunteering, Blaettler enjoys camping, playing racquetball, traveling and spending time with his family.